London shopping just got a whole lot better thanks to the guru of retail, Mary 'queen of shops' Portas. She and House of Fraser have joined forces to create a shopping and service experience that, they predict, will set new benchmarks across the industry.

Having heard about the venture a few months ago, when we caught up with Mary and her team to discuss the changes this concept store would make to the UK shopping landscape, we've been excited about revealing the details ever since - and with yesterday's launch, we can finally share our enthusiasm for the specialist line of fashion, gifts, homewares and food aimed at grown-up women.

'I've spent my entire life working within and commenting on global retail,' says Mary. 'When shops are truly great, they provide remarkable and extraordinary experiences to brighten up peoples' lives. My new shop is exactly what I have always wanted to do in retail, my sincerest hope is that it provides the ultimate shopping experience.' Hence the shop, in House of Fraser's Oxford Street store, is accessed via a private express lift, and has been designed around Mary's creative vision with commissions from several young British artists. Our favourite contributions are from textile designer Carola van Dyke, whose village life at the foot of the South Downs has inspired her work, in particular these darling appliquéd dog cushions (£50), handmade in her Sussex studio.

As discerning shoppers, we couldn't be more behind the store's desire to offer customers an unparalleled choice and an unrivalled service. It's about time the capital's high street was given a kick up the behind and, with any luck, Mary Portas at House of Fraser might be wearing just the right shoes to administer it…

Mary Portas at House of Fraser is available at 318 Oxford Street W1D (0845 602 1073begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0845 602 1073      end_of_the_skype_highlighting) or online by clickinghere.